Apple Vacations has received notice that on Feb. 1, 2015 at 2 a.m., the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, Cozumel and Riviera Maya, will change clocks to Eastern Standard Time Zone.

Local time in destination for all arriving and departing flights will move forward one hour. Departure and arrival times in the US will not be affected.

The change does not apply to the rest of Mexico nor to the state of Yucatan.

Apple Vacations and the airlines are in the process of making adjustments to flight times in their systems to reflect this change. In the meantime, Apple Vacationers should confirm their return hotel transfer and departure flight time with their local Apple Vacations Representative in resort.

With Domonic Brown, Tommy Greene, Greg Luzinski and the Phillie Phanatic on board, not even the rain could dampen the spirits at Phancation 2013! Here’s a photo album of the great trip hosted by Now Sapphire in Cancun, Apple Vacations and the Phillies.

I cannot count the number of times I have been on an Apple Vacation. Each one has been unique and memorable. I can’t wait to add my trip to Riviera Maya this January to the list. I will be on an Apple Vacation to Now Sapphire Rivera Cancun for the Phancation!

If you have never been to Cancun, here are my top 10 tips to have a successful trip.

1 – Get to the airport early. For international flights, you should be there at least 2 hours prior to departure. I am always one of the first people to check-in. You are never sorry you arrived early, but you could be sorry if you arrive late and miss the flight!

2 – Don’t forget your VALID passport. Also, it must be valid for 6 months from the date of travel. You will be denied boarding if you do not present this at check-in.

3 – Don’t forget the sunscreen. This is not the Jersey shore and the sun is STRONG! Apply frequently. Missing a day of vacation because you are stuck in the room nursing sunburn is just not fun!

4 – Pack wisely. Don’t pack too much and make sure you pack a carry on or easily accessible bag so you can hit the ground running and start your vacation! Most hotels have a check-in time of 3:00PM. However, flights usually arrive in the morning. Expect that your room will NOT be ready when you arrive. Have a bag ready with a swimsuit or something to change into, so you can start your vacation right away. Changing-rooms will be available and the bell man will hold your bags. Also, restaurants will be open for lunch. Resort maps will be available so you can explore and enjoy the property.

5 – Pack valuables such as jewelry, electronics and important medications in your carry on. Then, leave them in the in-room safe when you arrive in resort.

6 – U.S. currency is widely accepted in Mexico. I, however, always do bring small bills in the form of $1’s and $5’s. This is beneficial when you make a purchase so you are not receiving too much change in pesos. Also, when you want to tip, you have small bills available. Tipping is included in the package price, but if I receive exceptional service, I tend to tip the waiters or drivers when appropriate.

7 – Don’t eat anything on vacation that would make you sick at home. Whenever and wherever you travel, your system may react to new foods or drinks introduced. To prevent any problems, I tend to be pro-active rather than re-active. I eat yogurt (Activia) the week before I travel. I also make sure I have any over the counter medications with me in case I need them.

8 – Stay hydrated. Bottled water is readily available at the resort and included.

9 – Wear appropriate footwear. Hotels in Mexico & The Caribbean do not have carpet. Because of the climate, they are marble and tiled. Be careful when near the pool or in the lobby or your room especially if there has been rain!

10 – Turn your Smart phone data off (to airplane mode) and make sure you check with your carrier on any charges you could incur if you use your phone in Mexico. Texting is usually very expensive. My carrier has a minimal charge to use my iPhone in resort, but I have to sign up for it before I leave (and turn it off when I get back). When I am in resort, I tend to use my iPad and communicate with family via the computer for FREE.

Apple Vacations SuperSale starts today! It’s our (and should be your) favorite time of year if you are planning an Apple Vacation! Excuse the sales pitch for a moment, but this is really one of our biggest sales of the year!

Book during Apple Vacations’ SuperSale and you can save up to 40% on your next Apple Vacation to Mexico & the Caribbean.

White sandy beaches, blue turquoise waters, tropical beverages and palm trees as far as the eye can see… will all be calling your name this winter. So stop dreaming about it and start planning! Log on to applevacations.com or call your travel agent today to pick out your next Apple Vacation! Hurry, the best dates and hotels will sell out quickly.

When you picture your dream wedding, what do you envision? Do images of crystal clear waters, soft white sand, and a tropical paradise come to mind? If so, then Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa is perfect for your special day! One of Apple Vacations Destination Weddings’ most revered resorts and November’s “Destination of the Month,” Dreams Riviera has it all.

Photo Credit: Dreams Riviera Cancun

Nestled in the secluded Riviera Maya, Dreams Riviera incorporates the best of both worlds. Its prime location makes it especially attractive for both younger couples and families. Half an hour away from Cancun yet minutes away from Playa del Carmen, this resort is within close proximity of the area’s best attractions and landmarks. Tropical gardens, a beach setting suitable for a photo shoot, and limitless activities combine to create a truly unique and magical destination wedding experience. Looking for a quiet evening with your new spouse? Take a walk to the on-site spa for ultimate relaxation. Want to head out for a night on the town? Enjoy the many authentic waterfront restaurants, bars, and shops. Theme parties, live entertainment, nightclubs, euro-bungee jumping, an ocean trampoline, yoga, cooking and dance lessons, Spanish lessons, bocce ball, ocean kayaking, and tennis are just a few of the activities at your fingertips when staying at Dreams Riviera.

Photo Credit: Dreams Riviera Cancun

When it comes to reciting your vows, Dreams Riviera has it covered. Whether you want to gaze into your lover’s eyes and say “I do” on the beach at sunset or in a lavishly decorated and extravagant indoor venue, your wedding is sure to be memorable. Make a statement and provide your guests with a vacation and wedding they are never going to forget.

The Day of the Dead is otherwise known as ‘Dia de los Muertos’ or ‘All Soul’s Day’ and can be traced back for thousands of years. This day is held to honor and remember family members and relatives who have passed away. During the day on November 1st and 2nd, people gather together to pray for lost loved ones. Altars are created to honor the dead and gifts are taken to the graves of the departed. The essence of this beautiful ritual is to lovingly and happily remember the dead relatives, their life, and in this way, give meaning and continuity to human existence. Here are some great places in Mexico that really embrace the Day of the Dead tradition:

Huatulco is one of Mexico’s newest and very unique tourism development areas. The state of Oaxaca has a rich cultural history and guests of Huatulco can take full advantage of interesting opportunities to experience some of Mexico’s charm. Although the Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout Mexico, Oaxaca has become known for the ornately richness of its celebrations. The festivities begin a week before November 1st with the commencement of the “Plaza de los Muertos”, an elaborate initiation held in each city market, and a contest is held to judge the best of the city’s ofrendas.

Xcaret is normally a hybrid action-eco-archeological-adventure park about an hour south of Cancun. From October 31-November 2, it transforms into an all out Day of the Dead celebration a.k.a. the Xcaret, “Life and Death Traditions Festival”. For those that really want to embrace the culture, complimentary face painting stands are set up through the park.

Encompassing the two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Lose Cabo, The Day of the Dead Festival is a key festival in Los Cabos throughout the Mexico. Families and loved ones pay their respects by creating spectacular altars that are elaborately decorated with photos, candles and food offerings. The altars are then displayed in the towns main square of Plaza Amelia Wilkes, where the best decorated alter is granted a prize.

There’s plenty to do in Puerto Vallarta to feed your adventurous spirit. Often called the “crown jewel” of the Riviera Nayarit, Sayulita, a small fishing town located just 35 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, has become a popular destination. The roots of Mexican culture are deep and complex, as is evident even in a place seemingly as simple as Sayulita: once a fishing and farming pueblo, now a magical, compelling tourist destination. Sayulitans set up alters around town to honor the deceased and there are lovely masses held in the cemetery.

A varierty of learning opportunities await you in and around Ixtapa for those who enjoy experiencing the real destination behind the resort. Ixtapa Zihuatanejo hosts a complete festival with lectures about the tradition, photographic exhibitions, traditional dance and music. Building “altars” with flowers and tokens of the deceased is part of the tradition. Local vendors will compete for the “Best Altar.” Activities start at the Zihuatanejo Bay with lighting of the area.

Have you visited Mexico for Day of the Dead? Where did you stay? Feel free to share your comments and stories about your experiences with Day of the Dead traditions in the comments. Or continue this conversation on our facebook page!